Dicta Boelcke (I)

The rules for combat an enemy in aerial combat or “dogfight” were not created by teachers in military academies. These first rules emerged from the combat experience of the first pilots who risk their lives to learn how to fly and fight in the best way.

Among them, the German pilot Oswald Boelcke stood out as a leader and organizer and he described his experiences in 8 fundamental aerial maneuvers. At the time of writing it, Boelcke was the best German ace and had accumulated 40 victories in battle. Its rules were valid almost to the present day.

Now we present the rules and we will try to explain them in detail in future entries.

Try to secure the upper hand before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you

Always continue with an attack you have begun

Open fire only at close range, and then only when the opponent is squarely in your sights

You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses

In any type of attack, it is essential to assail your opponent from behind

If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it

When over the enemy’s lines, always remember your own line of retreat

Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. Avoid two aircraft attacking the same opponent

Some of these rules also apply in Mini Dogfight. Use them and you will succeed in your career as a pilot!